MSc in Civil Engineering Degree Program (120 ECTS)
The degree programme of MSc in Civil Engineering at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Belgrade has a clearly defined purpose and role in the education system of the Republic of Serbia and Europe. It has an overall societal objective of educating personnel for civil engineering sector, whose role in the overall development of society is of crucial importance. In Serbia the design and implementation of several large infrastructure projects is underway and further intensification of such activities is expected in the coming period. Therefore, there is a clear need for qualified and adequately educated civil engineers of different specialization areas, who should be involved in these activities on the highest complexity level.
MSc in Civil Engineering programme is primarily designed as a continuation of the BSc in Civil Engineering programme, where students acquire further scientific and professional knowledge in the field of analyses, design and construction of various types of complex and larger buildings, structures and infrastructural systems. Through one of five offered areas of specialization (Structural Engineering; Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering; Roads, Railways and Airports; Organisation, Technology and Informatics in Civil Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering) students gain additional knowledge in specific areas of civil engineering that, besides everyday engineering practice, includes rather complex civil engineering problems that require additional knowledge and abilities to analyse and conceive rational and safe engineering solutions.
The programme includes compulsory and elective modules, internship, preparation and defence of MSc thesis, with total 120 ECTS credits, over the period of 4 semesters (2 years). In the list of modules, specific areas of civil engineering are represented, which include rather complex areas that require additional knowledge and abilities to understand and solve them. This programme is in accordance with the EQF level 7. The internship is a mandatory part of the curriculum, and it is carried out exclusively in design bureaus, lasts four weeks and is worth 4 ECTS credits. The FCEUB actively tracks the quality of the internship, in terms of its content and structure, along with the participating companies.
Finally, this programme represents a necessary intermediate step towards academic education at the PhD level.
Primary Objective of the Degree Program
MSc in Civil Engineering programme is primarily designed as a continuation of the BSc in Civil Engineering programme. With MSc degree programme students acquire further scientific and professional knowledge in the field of analyses, design and construction of various types of complex and larger buildings, structures and infrastructural systems.
Through one of five offered areas of specialization (Structural Engineering (SE); Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering (HEE); Roads, Railways and Airports (RRA); Organisation, Technology and Informatics in Civil Engineering (OTI); Geotechnical Engineering (GE)) students gain additional knowledge in specific areas of civil engineering that, besides everyday engineering practice, includes rather complex civil engineering problems that require additional knowledge and abilities to analyse and conceive rational and safe engineering solutions. Also, this programme represents a necessary intermediate step towards academic education at the PhD level. Students who decide to continue their academic studies at doctoral or specialist studies get a solid foundation for further scientific and professional training with this programme.
MSc in Civil Engineering – area of specialization: Structural Engineering (SE)
The programme provides students with the following knowledge:
KM-S1 – Students master the properties of contemporary building materials and possibilities for their application;
KM-S2 – Students have deep insight in the behaviour of structures under static and dynamic loadings, including buildings, engineering structures, bridges, dams, tunnels, underground and geotechnical structures;
KM-S3 – Students know to design and construct all types of reinforced concrete, steel, timber, masonry and composite structures (buildings, halls, special and engineering structures, bridges), as well as knowledge of the basic steps of construction elements prefabrication and assembly and concrete technology
KM-S4 – Knowledge on the basics of experimental analysis of structures, practical aspects of structural testing, along with the basic principles of data acquisition and structural monitoring;
By completion of the programme, students acquire the following skills, so they can:
SM-S1 – Perform structural modelling, stability control and vibration assessment of complex structures, using linear and non-linear methods, by classic procedures and by using computer programs;
SM-S2 – Perform structural design and construct the prestressed concrete structures, structures of thin-walled steel cold-formed profiles, aluminium alloys, glued laminated timber and cross-laminated timber;
SM-S3 – Perform numerical modelling, design and detailing of steel and timber structure joints;
SM-S4 - Create parts of technological projects in the field of construction of concrete structures;
SM-S5 – Perform condition assessment and propose the maintenance works, strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete, timber and masonry structures;
SM-S6 – Perform planning, implementation and control of installation and finishing works on high-rise buildings, quality assessment and calculation of finishing works;
SM-S7 - Design and construct different types of dams and other hydraulic structures;
SM-S8 - Design and construct shallow and deep foundations, classic and special geotechnical structures, propose protection measures of deep excavations and design of underground structures;
SM-S9 – Perform analysis and interpretation of the results of geotechnical tests;
SM-S10 – Perform energy certification of structures;
SM-S11 – Communicate research-based knowledge and discuss professional and academic issues related to structural engineering;
SM-S12 – On an academic basis, set up new analysis and solution models for analyses of structures.
Upon completing of the degree programme, student acquires the following competences:
CM-S1 – Manage construction, rehabilitation and maintenance works of complex structures (buildings, halls, towers, high-rises, bridges, underground structures, dams, etc.)
CM-S2 – Manage preparation of studies and designs for all types of buildings and civil structures;
CM-S3 – Independently initiate and carry out discipline-specific and interdisciplinary collaboration and assume professional responsibility.
CM-S4 – Manage work situations and developments that are complex, unpredictable and require new solution models in civil engineering.
By completion of the programme, graduates can primarily take the jobs described within the licenses GP 04-01 and GI 04-01.1 (by the Serbian Chamber of Engineers): independent professional preparation of designs and studies and technical control of designs, for: all types of buildings and engineering structures (including geotechnics); management of construction of all building types and engineering structures; management of other construction works, finishing and installations works, including geotechnics; performing expert supervision during construction, as well as technical inspection of constructed structures/facilities. In addition, graduates can take jobs in designing and execution of all types of field investigation works, technical and managerial jobs in construction companies responsible for construction or production of prefabricated construction elements, expert jobs related to operation and maintenance of various structures and facilities, prepare expert opinions, real estate valuations, assessment of damage to all types of structures, as well as to perform technical and managerial tasks in various competent authorities on state/city/municipal level responsible for construction, infrastructure, housing and industry.
MSc in Civil Engineering – area of specialization: Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering (HEE)
The programme provides students with the following knowledge:
KM-H1 – Students master deterministic and stochastic hydrological methods and models;
KM-H2 – Students master hydraulic mathematical modelling of all types of steady and unsteady water flows in pressurised (closed conduit), open-channel systems and in underground;
KM-H3 – Students master contemporary numerical methods for the analysis of transport processes in surface and ground waters;
KM-H4 – Students master experimental analysis and measurement techniques of various types of water flows, basic water quality properties and practical aspects of flow measurements;
KM-H5 – Students have deep knowledge of integrated water resources management principles and applications, as the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources to maximize economic and social welfare in an equitable manner, without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.
By completion of the programme, students acquire the following skills, so they can:
SM-H1 – Prepare complex hydrological studies and models for planning and designing of various structures and for water resources management plans and systems;
SM-H2 – Analyse, plan, design, construct, operate and maintain water supply and sewerage systems, drinking water sources management and protection, drinking water and wastewater treatment plants of all types and capacities;
SM-H3 – Analyse, plan, design, construct, operate and maintain hydrotechnical structures and facilities of all types and capacities: hydropower systems, spillways, weirs, channels, culverts, surface and ground water intake structures, hydrotechnical systems in solid waste management;
SM-H4 – Analyse, plan, design, construct, operate and maintain irrigation and drainage infrastructure and systems of all types and capacities;
SM-H5 – Analyse, plan, design, construct and maintain river training works, inland waterways and ports and flood defence structures and systems at all types of watercourses;
SM-H6 – Apply acquired knowledge in the design and construction of hydrotechnical structures in geotechnical engineering (dikes, embankments, earth fill dams, etc.).
SM-H7 – Create new, or use existing, computer models (management, simulation, optimization and prognostic) and hydro-information systems for the analysis and management of hydrotechnical structures and water management systems of various types;
SM-H8 – Apply methods for assessing the impact of hydrotechnical structures and systems on the environment and determining environmental protection measures in the process of planning, design, construction and operation of various structures and water management systems;
SM-H9 – Communicate research-based knowledge and discuss professional and academic issues related to hydraulic engineering.
SM-H10 – On an academic basis, set up new analysis and solution models for hydraulic engineering.
Upon completing of the degree programme, student acquires the following competences:
CM-H1 – Manage construction, rehabilitation and maintenance works and operation of complex hydraulic structures and systems (water supply, sewerage, water treatment plants, irrigation and drainage infrastructure, river training works, channels, inland waterways and ports, flood defences, hydropower, water resources management systems, etc.)
CM-H2 – Manage preparation of hydrology and hydraulic studies and designs for all types of hydraulic structures and water infrastructure;
CM-H3 - Independently initiate and carry out discipline-specific and interdisciplinary collaboration and assume professional responsibility.
CM-H4 - Manage work situations and developments that are complex, unpredictable and require new solution models in hydraulic and environmental engineering.
By completion of the programme, graduates can primarily take the jobs described within the licenses GP 04-02 and GI 04-02.1 (by the Serbian Chamber of Engineers): independent professional preparation of designs and studies and technical control of designs for hydraulic structures (including geotechnics); management of construction of hydraulic structures and installations of water supply and sewerage; performing expert supervision during construction, as well as technical inspection of constructed structures/facilities. In addition, graduates can take jobs in designing and execution of all types of hydrology measurements and forecasting, expert jobs in public and private companies responsible for operation and maintenance of various hydraulic structures and systems, including water pollution control facilities, prepare expert opinions, real estate valuations, assessment of damage to water infrastructure, as well as to perform technical and managerial tasks in various competent authorities on state/city/municipal level responsible for water supply, sewerage, irrigation, drainage, flood defence, hydropower, water resources management, water pollution control and environmental protection.
MSc in Civil Engineering – area of specialization: Roads, Railways and Airports (RRA)
The programme provides students with the following knowledge:
KM-R1 – Students know how to apply methods for analysing the impact of traffic infrastructure on the environment, in construction and operation (maintenance) phases;
KM-R2 – Students know how to analyse and interpret the results of geotechnical investigation works in rock.
KM-R3 – Students master methods of calculation of the stability of the road structure and the surrounding terrain, methods of planning, design and construction of traffic infrastructure, including traffic tunnels.
By completion of the programme, students acquire the following skills, so they can:
SM-R1 – Perform calculation of the stability of the road structure and the surrounding terrain and apply the adequate measures for slope stabilization and soil improvement;
SM-R2 - Plan, design, construct, manage and maintain traffic infrastructure: urban and non-urban roads, local and uncategorized roads, all types of railway infrastructure, urban rail systems, traffic areas at airports, passenger piers, ports and industrial plants;
SM-R3 - Rehabilitate and reconstruct traffic infrastructure structures;
SM-R4 - Implement traffic infrastructure maintenance management systems;
SM-R5 - Design and construct traffic tunnels;
SM-R6 - Construct, inspect and maintain bridge structures and design, construct, inspect and maintain culverts.
SM-R7 – Communicate research-based knowledge and discuss professional and academic issues related to transport infrastructure engineering.
SM-R8 – On an academic basis, set up new analysis and solution models for transport infrastructure structures.
Upon completing of the degree programme, student acquires the following competences:
CM-R1 – Manage construction, rehabilitation and maintenance works of transport infrastructure structures and systems (all types of roads, highways, railroads, airports, earth works for transport corridors, culverts, etc.)
CM-R2 – Manage preparation of studies and designs for all types of transport infrastructure (roads, railways, airports);
CM-R3 - Independently initiate and carry out discipline-specific and interdisciplinary collaboration and assume professional responsibility.
CM-R4 - Manage work situations and developments that are complex, unpredictable and require new solution models in transport infrastructure structures.
By completion of the programme, graduates can primarily take the jobs described within the licenses GP 04-03 and GI 04-03.1 (by the Serbian Chamber of Engineers): independent professional preparation of designs and studies and technical control of technical designs for transport infrastructure (including geotechnics); management of construction of transport and other infrastructure; preparation of field and laboratory tests for the needs of preparation of geotechnical studies for roads; design of soil improvement measures during the construction of traffic infrastructure facilities; execution of various types of geotechnical anchors, injection and other geotechnical works, retaining walls and rehabilitation of landslides and other forms of terrain instability, as well as other construction geotechnical works; performing expert supervision during construction, as well as technical inspection of constructed structures/facilities. In addition, graduates can take expert jobs in public and private companies responsible for operation and maintenance of roads, railroads and airport infrastructure, prepare expert opinions, real estate valuations, assessment of damage to transport infrastructure, as well as to perform technical and managerial tasks in various competent authorities on state/city/municipal level responsible for transport and infrastructure.
MSc in Civil Engineering – area of specialization: Organisation, Technology and Informatics in Civil Engineering (OTI)
The programme provides students with the following knowledge:
KM-O1 – Students master project management methodologies in civil engineering;
KM-O2 – Students master construction management methodologies in civil engineering;
KM-O3 – Students master value engineering, lean construction, quality management systems and human resources management methods in civil engineering projects;
KM-O4 – Students have deep knowledge of analyses and design of concrete and steel structures;
KM-O5 – Students master of informatics in civil engineering, including databases creation and management, building information modelling (BIM), operational research and data management in civil engineering;
By completion of the programme, students acquire the following skills, so they can:
SM-O1 – Mange preparation of designs of organization and construction technology for all types of structures in urban and rural environments, with optimization of technological procedures and construction machinery;
SM-O2 – Manage preparation of dynamic plans for construction sites, control of dynamics of works and analysis of work delays for all types of construction works;
SM-O3 – Perform cost planning and control, measurement and calculation of works, preparation of payment documentation, assessment of project feasibility, assessment of market values of real estates;
SM-O4 – Manage preparation of quality management systems, value engineering studies, risk and human resources management;
SM-O5 – Manage construction companies and works on construction sites of complex projects (high-rise buildings, craft and finishing works, road and railway infrastructure, airports, urban water infrastructure, geotechnical structures, dams and other water and engineering structures);
SM-O6 – Manage projects using BIM, creation of databases for construction purposes, information management in construction projects;
SM-O7 – Participate in contract management of civil engineering projects;
SM-O8 – Participate in energy certification of building structures and maintenance management;
SM-O9 – Participate in analyses and design of reinforced concrete and steel structures;
SM-O10 – Communicate research-based knowledge and discuss professional and academic issues related to construction and project management in civil engineering;
SM-O11 – On an academic basis, set up new analysis and solution models for construction and project management in civil engineering.
Upon completing of the degree programme, student acquires the following competences:
CM-C1 – Project and construction management of construction, rehabilitation and maintenance works of complex structures (buildings, halls, towers, high-rises, bridges, underground structures, dams, etc.)
CM-C2 – Manage preparation of studies and designs of reinforced concrete and steel structures of standard buildings (up to GF+4 floors, area up to 2000 m2) and halls and their production, construction and/or assembly;
CM-O3 - Independently initiate and carry out discipline-specific and interdisciplinary collaboration and assume professional responsibility.
CM-O4 - Manage work situations and developments that are complex, unpredictable and require new solution models in project and construction management in civil engineering.
By completion of the programme, graduates can primarily take the jobs described within the licenses GP 04-04 and GI 04-04.1 (by the Serbian Chamber of Engineers): independent expert work on designs of construction technology and construction management of projects in construction of buildings for which a building permit is issued by the local government, with up to 4 floors, whose total area does not exceed 2,000 m² gross, buildings with less complex structure (span up to 12 meters), local and uncategorized roads and streets, internal installations of water supply and sewerage, execution of finishing and installation works and works on interior design; performing expert supervision during construction, as well as technical inspection of constructed structures/facilities. In addition, graduates can take jobs in contract management of various construction projects, expert jobs in public and private companies responsible for operation and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure, prepare expert opinions, real estate valuations, assessment of damage to water infrastructure, as well as to perform technical and managerial tasks in various competent authorities on state/city/municipal level responsible for construction, housing, infrastructure and industry.
MSc in Civil Engineering – area of specialization: Geotechnical Engineering (GE)
The programme provides students with the following knowledge:
KM-G1 – Students master the properties of contemporary building materials and possibilities for their application;
KM-G2 – Students have deep insight in the behaviour of structures under static and dynamic loadings, including buildings, halls, bridges, dams, tunnels, underground structures, retaining walls, embanked and other geotechnical structures;
KM-G3 – Students know to design and construct all types of geotechnical structures (tunnels, underground structures, retaining walls, embanked structures, landfills, shallow and deep foundations), including basic steps of construction elements prefabrication and assembly;
KM-G4 – Knowledge on the basics of soil or rock field and laboratory testing, preparation of geotechnical studies, interpretation of results of laboratory and field tests.
KM-G5 – Students know the basics of the interaction between the structure and the soil during earthquake and application of different soil improvement methods.
By completion of the programme, students acquire the following skills, so they can:
SM-G1 – Perform computational modelling of common building structures under static and dynamic loadings by using classic procedures and computer programs;
SM-G2 - Design typical reinforced concrete and steel building structures and halls;
SM-G3 – Construct, inspect and maintain bridge structures and design, construct, inspect and maintain culverts and bridges with a span of up to 12 m;
SM-G4 - Design and construct: tunnels, underground structures, all types of retaining walls and similar structures, embanked structures and landfills, all types of shallow and deep foundations of simple and complex structures, system for draining excavations and underground structures, different types of dams and other hydrotechnical structures;
SM-G5 – Propose landslide rehabilitation measures and measures for protection of deep excavations;
SM-G6 - Develop a program of soil or rock field and laboratory testing and supervise standard geotechnical field tests, prepare geotechnical studies, interpret the results of laboratory and field tests;
SM-G7 – Create parts of technological projects in the field of construction of concrete structures;
SM-G8 - Prepare and participate in tender procedures and use BIM models for various analyses.
SM-G9 – Communicate research-based knowledge and discuss professional and academic issues related to geotechnical engineering and underground structures.
SM-G10 – On an academic basis, set up new analysis and solution models for geotechnical engineering and underground structures.
Upon completing of the degree programme, student acquires the following competences:
CM-G1 – Manage construction, rehabilitation and maintenance works of complex geotechnical and underground structures (foundations, deep excavations, tunnels, retaining walls, piles, soil improvement, etc.)
CM-G2 – Manage preparation of geotechnical investigations and studies, as well as designs for complex geotechnical and underground structures;
CM-G3 - Independently initiate and carry out discipline-specific and interdisciplinary collaboration and assume professional responsibility.
CM-G4 - Manage work situations and developments that are complex, unpredictable and require new solution models in geotechnical engineering and underground structures.
By completion of the programme, graduates can primarily take the jobs described within the licenses GP 04-01 and GI 04-01.1 (by the Serbian Chamber of Engineers): independent professional preparation of deigns and studies and technical control of designs, for: all types of geotechnical structures, buildings and engineering structures; management of construction of all building types and engineering structures; management of other construction works, finishing and installations works, including geotechnics; performing expert supervision during construction, as well as technical inspection of constructed structures/facilities. In addition, graduates can take jobs in designing and execution of all types of geotechnical investigation works, technical and managerial jobs in construction companies responsible for construction of underground structures and geotechnical engineering, expert jobs related to operation and maintenance of various geotechnical structures, prepare expert opinions, real estate valuations, assessment of damage to geotechnical structures, as well as to perform technical and managerial tasks in various competent authorities on state/city/municipal level responsible for construction and infrastructure.
Curriculum
The programme includes compulsory and elective modules, internship, preparation and defence of MSc thesis, with total 120 ECTS credits, over the period of 4 semesters (2 years). Table of Modules for the MSc in Civil Engineering programme is provided here.
The Internship is a compulsory part of the curriculum and lasts for 4 weeks. The FCEUB actively helps students to find a suitable company for internship, depending on the student’s interests. The students have a supervisor at the company, and also the one at the faculty (responsible lecturer). At the end of the internship, the students are obliged to submit a diary of professional practice. The evaluation is descriptive and does not enter into the study average.
Each module represents a well-matched unit of teaching and learning, in order to enable students to acquire general and subject-specific skills and competences. The order of the modules ensures that the learning outcomes can be successfully achieved and that the programme can be completed within the standard period of study.
MSc in Civil Engineering Degree Program is designed with 5 specialization areas, as an expansion of the academic and professional competencies of students who have completed BSc programme in civil engineering. In the structure of the modules, specific areas of civil engineering are represented, which include rather complex areas that require additional knowledge and abilities to understand and solve them. This programme is in accordance with the EQF level 7.
1. SE deals with subjects to train students to design and construct the most complex structures, such as: residential and commercial buildings, bridges, antenna towers, water towers, industrial facilities, dams, underground structures, etc. Important theoretical modules that provide the basis for complex research works and/or complex engineering modelling of structures are studied (e.g. nonlinear structural analysis, surface supports, structural dynamics etc.), and professional modules important for application in structural engineering (concrete, steel, composite and timber structures etc.).
2. HEE prepares students for the design, construction and operation of hydraulic structures and systems related to the water utilisation, protection of water quality and prevention of harmful effects of water. Modules in the field of stochastic hydrology, groundwater hydraulics, water supply and sewerage, drinking and waste water treatment, river engineering and inland waterways, hydropower engineering, flood defence, irrigation, drainage, hydroinformatics, advanced numerical modelling methods, as well as advanced measurement methods in hydraulics are taken. Special emphasis is given to water resources management within the framework of the protection of the environment.
3. RRA teaches planning, design, construction and maintenance of non-urban roads, urban roads, all types of railways and airports. Along with this, students should develop the ability to analyse and develop projects of more complex systems by application of geo-information systems, system optimization, computer aided design, etc.).
4. OTI prepares students to participate in the implementation of construction projects both from a technical-technological point of view and the organization of the execution of the works, development and application of building information systems, contact and project management, finance, legal and professional aspects of construction projects. This knowledge is giving students the competencies to participate in the implementation of large construction projects and a broad basis for research in various areas, including operational research, BIM and other areas in civil engineering.
5. GE provides students with fundamental knowledge in the field of soil and rock mechanics and numerical methods in geotechnical analysis, as well as knowledge related to analyses, design and construction of specific geotechnical structures, such as: foundations, embankments and retaining structures, soil improvement methods, geo-ecological and geotechnical earthquake engineering, underground structures.
In the fourth (final) semester, students shall prepare and defence their master's thesis in order to complete the MSc degree programme. It demonstrates that the student’s ability to work independently on a task at the intended level of the MSc program. After completing the MSc degree programme, students can continue their education in the PhD Civil Engineering degree programme at the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Belgrade, or in related studies in the country and abroad. In addition, students who complete this MSc degree programme have access to specialist academic studies.
The detailed Book of Modules for all areas of specialization are provided here: SE, HEE, RRA, OTI, GE.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements and procedures at the FCEUB are binding and transparent, ensuring that students are able to successfully enrol the program. According with social needs and its resources, FCEUB enrols students in the appropriate degree program based on success in previous schooling and verification of their knowledge and abilities.
The formal and subject-specific admission requirements are regulated by the Law on Higher Education and Rulebook on the Enrolment of Students in Study Programs, providing the achievement of the intended competence profiles. The above Rulebook applies for all degree programs of the University of Belgrade.
Foreign citizens may enrol in the studying program under the same conditions as domestic citizens. They shall pay tuition fees, unless an international agreement specifies otherwise. Foreign citizens may enrol in the studies if they have health insurance.
The admission requirements of persons with disabilities are defined in the Rulebook on the Method of Determining Status of Candidates and Students with Disabilities. Persons with disabilities may take the entrance exam in accordance with their needs and capabilities, according also to the objective possibilities of the FCEUB. The persons with disabilities are obliged to explain (in written form) how it is necessary to adjust the entrance exam. The explanation is submitted when applying for enrolment.
The admission deadlines are in September each year. The official announcement is available through the UB website, usually in May. The number of available places for enrolment is determined for each academic year in accordance with social needs and the interests of the profession. Candidates who have previously completed the BSc in Civil Engineering Degree Program at any HEI, with at least 180 ECTS, can apply for admission to the MSc in Civil Engineering Degree Program at the FCEUB. The additional criterion is that the candidates previously achieved:
• at least 45 ECTS from scientific-professional and professional-applied modules from the field of Structural Engineering, if they apply for areas of specialization: SE, GE or OTI,
• at least 20 ECTS from scientific-professional and professional-applied modules from the fields of Roads and Railways, if they apply for RRA area of specialization,
• at least 20 ECTS from scientific-professional and professional-applied modules from the field of Hydraulic Engineering, if they apply for HEE area of specialization.
Candidates applying for admission take the entrance exam. The exam consists from questions from all fields of civil engineering covered within the BSc studies. It is therefore ensured that applicants have sufficient prior knowledge to study successfully. The order of candidates for admission is determined on the basis of a ranking list, formed on the basis of: average grade from the BSc studies, study duration, and the score of the entrance exam.
Students from other degree programs can also apply for enrolment in this degree program.
Workload & Credits
All degree programs at the FCEUB implement the ECTS credit system based on the student workload. One ECTS credit is equivalent to 30 working hours including both contact hours and self-study time. The duration of the MSc in Civil Engineering Degree Program is 2 years (divided into 4 semesters) and is worth 120 ECTS credits. Upon completion of the MSc degree program, total 300 ECTS credits are achieved.
All modules are one-semester. In most of them active teaching (contact hours) consists of lectures and calculus tutorials. In addition to attending classes, students' obligations include professional working practice (internship) lasting four weeks, which is carried out in design bureaus, research or state institutions during the last semester of the MSc studies. Professional practice (internship) is worth 4 ECTS. The master's thesis is the last obligation and with its successful defence student earns 24 ECTS.
The estimated workload is realistic and well-founded, so that the study program can be completed in the standard period of study.
In the structure of the MSc in Civil Engineering Degree Program, collectively for all areas of specialization, certain types of modules are represented in the following percentage:
• academic-general education modules 0.56%;
• theoretical-methodological modules 25.00%;
• scientific-professional modules 42.74%;
• professional-applied modules 31.70%.
In the structure of the degree program, elective modules are represented by 33.33% (SE), 30.00% (HEE), 31.67% (RRA), 36.67% (OTI) and 33.33% (GE). Obviously, there is a significant increase of scientific-professional and professional-applied modules at the MSc level, when compared against the BSc degree program in Civil Engineering.
Exams: System, Concept and Organization
All exams are related to specific modules, providing students with feedback on the competencies that they have acquired. The success of students in achieving the defined learning objectives of individual modules is monitored continuously during classes through pre-exam (coursework) obligations (tests, colloquia, preparation of essays, homework, etc.) and by taking exams. Success is expressed in points (the maximum number of points is 100), whereby the pre-examination obligations contribute from 30 to 70 points.
Distribution of points of pre-exam obligations is defined for each module, depending on the module’s specifics. In some modules, alternative ways of collecting points from pre-exam obligations are also possible (for example, by successfully working on tests or colloquia, the student is exempted from a part of the final exam). Some modules require minimum class attendance percentage within pre-exam obligations. The record of earned points is kept by the module lecturer and associates.
Exams typically consist of a written (calculation) part and an oral (theoretical) part. Conditions and methods of exams, organization and procedure of exams, methods of determining the exam grade and other issues of importance for taking the exam and grading the exam are more closely regulated by Rulebook on Taking the Exam and Grading. The student's final grade for one module is based on the aggregate of earned points from successfully completed pre-exam obligations and passing the final exam. The grade is determined according to the following scale:
• up to 50 points – grade 5 (failed);
• from 51 to 60 points – grade 6 (sufficient);
• from 61 to 70 points – grade 7 (good);
• from 71 to 80 points – grade 8 (very good);
• from 81 to 90 points – grade 9 (excellent);
• from 91 to 100 points – grade 10 (excellent-exceptional).
The FCEUB is very dedicated to efficient exam management, to maximize the students’ effectiveness.
The exams schedule is created by the Students Affairs Office (SAO) of the FCEUB and Vice-Dean for Teaching, according to the Teaching Calendar. There are 5 regular exam terms (February, June, July, September 1 and September 2). Each exam period lasts for 11 days. At the MSc level, there are 2 additional exam terms in November, where student may attend one exam.
The MSc theses are proposed by the student after the consultations with potential thesis advisor. The MSc thesis advisor is exclusively a lecturer from MSc study program. After the thesis is proposed, its title and content are discussed at monthly Department meetings and defence committee members are nominated at these meetings. If the proposal is not accepted, the student is asked to review a proposal and, after discussion with a potential advisor, a new topic may be proposed. After the thesis proposal is accepted, the student begins his collaboration with a nominated thesis advisor. Regular (usually weekly) meetings are organized between the candidate and the advisor, in order to actively track the progress of the candidate. Also other committee members may be involved in the development of the thesis.
After the candidate address all advisor’s comments and remarks on the thesis, the advisor officially conforms to the SAO that the candidate is ready for thesis defence. Finally, the public thesis defence is organized, and the appropriate Report is signed and submitted by all Committee members.
Both the UB and FCEUB have very strict rules regarding prevention and punishment of fraud and plagiarism, in order to preserve the academic integrity of all members of the academic community. Preserving the dignity of the profession, promoting moral values, protecting the value of knowledge and raising awareness of the responsibility of all members of the academic community is regulated through Code of Professional Ethics.
The Rulebook on the Procedure for determining Non-Academic Behaviour regulates the procedure for determining non-academic behaviour for all faculties and institutes of the UB, which applies to all written works of teaching and scientific staff and students (BSc thesis, MSc thesis, specialist thesis, doctoral dissertation, journal papers, textbooks, monographs, chapters etc.), as well as to reports on teaching and scientific research work. The procedure applies to plagiarism, false authorship, fabrication and falsification of results and self-plagiarism.
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